10783853

Image Provision Device, Method and Program That Adjusts Eye Settings Based on User Orientation

PublishedSeptember 22, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
InventorsNaoki CHIBA
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
7 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. An image provision device for displaying an image obtained from an all-surroundings image on a field-of-vision covering display, comprising: at least one memory configured to store computer program code; at least one processor configured to operate according to said computer program code, said computer program code including: detecting code configured to cause at least of the at least one processor to detect an orientation or a change in the orientation of a user; setting code configured to cause at least of the at least one processor to set an eye direction to the all-surroundings image, based on the detected orientation or change in the orientation; obtaining code configured to cause at least of the at least one processor to obtain a zoomed image by trimming part of the all-surroundings image with a zoom factor that depends on an angle formed between the set eye direction and a predetermined direction in the all-surroundings image and zooming the part of the all-surroundings image in accordance with a size or resolution of the display; and displaying code configured to cause at least of the at least one processor to display the obtained zoomed image on the display.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to an image provision device designed to display a portion of an all-surroundings image (e.g., a 360-degree panoramic image) on a field-of-vision covering display, such as a head-mounted display. The device addresses the challenge of dynamically adjusting the displayed image based on the user's orientation and gaze direction to provide a seamless and immersive viewing experience. The device includes a memory storing computer program code and a processor executing the code. The code includes modules for detecting the user's orientation or changes in orientation, such as head movements, using sensors. Based on the detected orientation, the device sets an eye direction within the all-surroundings image. The device then obtains a zoomed image by trimming a portion of the all-surroundings image, where the zoom factor is determined by the angle between the set eye direction and a predetermined reference direction in the image. The trimmed portion is then zoomed to match the display's size or resolution. Finally, the processed zoomed image is displayed on the field-of-vision covering display, ensuring the user sees a dynamically adjusted, high-resolution view of the all-surroundings image. This approach enables real-time adaptation of the displayed content to the user's movements, enhancing immersion and reducing distortion or visual discomfort.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The image provision device according to claim 1 , wherein the image provision device trims and zooms part of the all-surroundings image with the zoom factor that is higher as the angle formed between the set eye direction and the predetermined direction in the all-surroundings image is smaller.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an image provision device designed to enhance viewing experiences by dynamically adjusting the display of all-surroundings images, such as panoramic or 360-degree views. The device addresses the challenge of providing a clear and immersive view when a user's eye direction changes, particularly in applications like virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) systems. The device captures or receives an all-surroundings image, which represents a full 360-degree field of view. When a user sets an eye direction (e.g., by moving their head or gaze), the device identifies the angle between this eye direction and a predetermined direction in the image. The device then trims and zooms a portion of the all-surroundings image based on this angle. Specifically, the zoom factor increases as the angle decreases, meaning the closer the eye direction aligns with the predetermined direction, the more the image is zoomed in. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the user's view remains sharp and detailed, particularly when focusing on specific areas of the image. The zooming and trimming process helps maintain image quality and reduce distortion, improving the overall viewing experience in immersive environments. The invention is particularly useful in VR/AR headsets, surveillance systems, and other applications requiring high-resolution, adaptive image display.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The image provision device according to claim 1 , wherein an amount of focus adjustment corresponding to an eye direction is recorded in the all-surroundings image, and wherein the image provision device trims and zooms part of the all-surroundings image with a zoom factor that depends on the angle and on the amount of focus adjustment corresponding to the set eye direction.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an image provision device designed to enhance viewing experiences by dynamically adjusting displayed images based on a user's eye direction. The device captures an all-surroundings image, which is a panoramic or 360-degree view of the environment. The key problem addressed is the static nature of traditional displays, which do not adapt to the viewer's gaze, leading to suboptimal focus and framing. The device records focus adjustment data corresponding to different eye directions within the all-surroundings image. When a user's eye direction is detected, the device trims and zooms a portion of the all-surroundings image based on the detected angle and the pre-recorded focus adjustment for that direction. The zoom factor is dynamically adjusted to ensure the displayed portion is both properly framed and focused according to the user's gaze. This allows for a more immersive and natural viewing experience, as the displayed content adapts in real-time to the user's visual focus. The invention improves upon prior systems by integrating focus adjustment with gaze tracking, ensuring that the displayed image is not only cropped to the user's eye direction but also optimized for clarity and detail. This is particularly useful in applications like virtual reality, augmented reality, or advanced surveillance systems where dynamic adaptation to the viewer's perspective is critical.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The image provision device according to claim 1 , wherein the image provision device trims and zooms part of the all-surroundings image with the zoom factor that depends on the angle and on a numerical value representing a body height of the user wearing the display.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an image provision device designed to capture and display all-surroundings images, particularly for use in head-mounted displays or similar wearable devices. The device addresses the challenge of providing a user with a realistic and immersive view of their surroundings while accounting for variations in user height and viewing angles. The core functionality involves dynamically adjusting the displayed image based on the user's body height and the angle at which they are viewing the environment. The device captures a panoramic or all-surroundings image, then trims and zooms a portion of this image according to a zoom factor. This zoom factor is determined by both the viewing angle and a numerical value representing the user's height. By adjusting the zoom level based on these parameters, the device ensures that the displayed image appears natural and properly scaled, compensating for differences in user height and perspective. This dynamic adjustment enhances the immersive experience by maintaining visual consistency regardless of the user's physical stature or head position. The invention is particularly useful in applications such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and other wearable display systems where accurate environmental representation is critical.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The image provision device according to claim 1 , wherein the image provision device detects a height of the display; and trims and zooms part of the all-surroundings image with a zoom factor that depends on the angle and on the detected height.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to an image provision device designed to display an all-surroundings image, such as a panoramic or 360-degree view, on a display. The device addresses the challenge of optimizing the displayed portion of the image to match the user's viewing perspective and height, ensuring a more natural and immersive experience. The device detects the height of the display relative to a reference point, such as the floor or a user's eye level. Based on this detected height and the viewing angle, the device calculates a zoom factor. This zoom factor is then applied to trim and zoom into a specific part of the all-surroundings image, focusing on the portion that aligns with the user's current viewpoint. The zoom factor is dynamically adjusted according to both the detected height and the angle, ensuring that the displayed image corresponds accurately to the user's position and perspective. This approach enhances the realism of the displayed image by providing a tailored view that matches the user's physical context.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. An image provision method comprising: displaying an image obtained from an all-surroundings image on a field-of-vision covering display, detecting, by an image provision device, an orientation or a change in the orientation of a user, setting, by said image provision device, an eye direction to the all-surroundings image, based on the detected orientation or change in the orientation, obtaining, by said image provision device, a zoomed image by trimming part of the all-surroundings image with a zoom factor that depends on an angle formed between the set eye direction and a predetermined direction in the all-surroundings image and zooming the part of the all-surroundings image in accordance with a size or resolution of the display, and displaying, by said image provision device, the obtained zoomed image on the display.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for providing immersive visual experiences using all-surroundings images, such as panoramic or 360-degree images, displayed on a field-of-vision covering display like a head-mounted display. The problem addressed is the need to dynamically adjust the displayed image based on a user's orientation and eye direction to enhance immersion and realism. The method involves displaying an image derived from an all-surroundings image on a wide-field display. An image provision device detects the user's orientation or changes in orientation, such as head movements, and sets an eye direction within the all-surroundings image based on this detection. The device then obtains a zoomed image by trimming a portion of the all-surroundings image, where the zoom factor is determined by the angle between the set eye direction and a predetermined direction in the image. The trimmed portion is then zoomed to match the display's size or resolution. Finally, the zoomed image is displayed on the field-of-vision covering display. This approach ensures that the user's view dynamically adjusts to their movements, providing a seamless and immersive experience by maintaining proper scaling and resolution of the displayed content. The system avoids distortion or loss of detail by dynamically adjusting the zoom level based on the user's orientation and the display's capabilities.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. A non-transitory computer-readable information recording medium recording a program executed by a computer that displays an image obtained from an all-surroundings image on a field-of-vision covering display, the program causing the computer to: detect an orientation or a change in the orientation of a user; set an eye direction to the all-surroundings image, based on the detected orientation or change in the orientation; obtain a zoomed image by trimming part of the all-surroundings image with a zoom factor that depends on an angle formed between the set eye direction and a predetermined direction in the all-surroundings image and zooming the part of the all-surroundings image in accordance with a size or resolution of the display; and display the obtained zoomed image on the display.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for displaying all-surroundings images, such as panoramic or 360-degree images, on a field-of-vision covering display like a head-mounted display (HMD). The problem addressed is the need to provide a seamless, immersive viewing experience by dynamically adjusting the displayed image based on the user's orientation and gaze direction. The system detects the user's orientation or changes in orientation, such as head movements, using sensors. Based on this detection, the system sets an eye direction within the all-surroundings image, simulating the user's gaze. The system then processes the image by trimming a portion of the all-surroundings image, where the zoom factor applied to this portion depends on the angle between the set eye direction and a predetermined reference direction in the image. The trimmed portion is then zoomed to match the display's size or resolution, ensuring optimal clarity and detail. Finally, the processed zoomed image is displayed on the field-of-vision covering display, providing a natural and immersive viewing experience. This approach dynamically adjusts the displayed content to align with the user's orientation, enhancing immersion and reducing distortion or visual discomfort. The system ensures that the displayed image remains sharp and properly scaled regardless of the user's movements.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

September 22, 2020

Inventors

Naoki CHIBA

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IMAGE PROVISION DEVICE, METHOD AND PROGRAM THAT ADJUSTS EYE SETTINGS BASED ON USER ORIENTATION